Guest Author Karen Kostlivy

Hello, fine friends! Thank you so much for your patience with the Blogger fiasco yesterday. Very glad it's not today as I have a LOVELY guest author I'd like you to meet! Here's something I didn't really grasp until recently... Middle grade fiction... sounds like it means... you know, somewhere between literature and pulp, ne? In actuality, it is literature for the MIDDLE GRADES. Who knew!? These are the bridge between 'kids books' and YA—the 8-12 range, depending on your reader. (and I know SEVERAL of us have kids that age--I've got my own 11...)  Karen is my first Middle Grade guest... meaning guest who writes for middle grades... not that she is any less that TOP grade quality... if youknowwhatImean...

But enough of me being wacky... that is just pent up aggression directed at blogger... we have a GUEST! So on with it. Welcome Karen!

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Genre: Children's Books/Adventure 
Publisher: 3L Publishing 
ISBN Number: : 0615362265

Karen Kostlivy was born and raised in Northern California. She graduated from the University of California Davis with a degree in Rhetoric and Communication. She enjoys spending time with her family and listening to her two sons Camron and Masson play guitar. After a successful career in the private and public sector, Karen decided to return to a former passion, writing and creating stories for readers of all ages. She is currently happily residing in Yuba City California with her husband Davis and son.

Synopsis:
Mason Witt, a skateboarding American teenager, catapults himself into the greatest adventure of his life after reading the plight of a new Cyber Writer from Africa. Lutalo knew he would come so he sent Mason an urgent plea for help. His village has lost its precious Zebra of Life -- and his father has gone missing in the pursuit of the evil men who stole it. Here begins this thrilling adventure of two boys, a smart-talking panther, and an amazing zebra that sustains life.

Blog

Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life is a book that takes middle grade students on an entertaining journey through Africa where talking animals and magic arrows help the young readers track thieves to try to save the village.   At the same time, the kids are learning the value of friendship, teamwork, trust and exercise.  They are also learning a lot about Africa.

This book is the first of a series of books that hopefully attract reluctant readers to reading.  At the same time they will be learning a lot and having fun doing it.  Each book in the series will be set in a different country and involve Cyber Writers having the adventure of their young lives.  My website: http://www. cyberwriters.net will be the hub Students and teachers can continue the adventure with  web quests and  lesson plans .  Stay tuned there is more coming.

Reviews
Middle Grade Fiction— that genre  between early readers and young adult  novels (I told you!) must accomplish an often difficult task; engage reluctant or      struggling readers.  Cyber Writers, by Karen Kostlivy does just that. Teenager Mason Witt, teams up with a fellow cyber writer for an incredible adventure through the heart of Africa.  Kostlivy’s rich descriptions put the reader into the story as Mason and his friend experience the true meaning of friendship, loyalty and the strength of family.  But the best news about Cyber Writers  is that it’s the first of a series.”

  -Denise McDonald (the unforeseen blogger) 
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"Karen Kostlivy spins a  a fine yarn that your son or nephew or daughter or niece are going to love…”

Timothy May, 
Professor of English